A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone (or several people) to help you make decisions, or to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. By making a Power of Attorney you can ensure that important decisions about your financial affairs and welfare are dealt with by people you trust, such as your family or close friends.
Lasting Powers of Attorney can be made at any time, and will remain valid even after someone loses mental capacity. They are not only useful for those who are concerned about their mental capacity, but also for those who may be physically incapacitated and unable to get around to manage their affairs (such as going to the bank to withdraw money).
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:-
This is a Lasting Power of Attorney – Financial Decisions:.
This allows your attorney to make decisions in respect of your property and finances, such as paying bills, managing your bank account, collecting benefits and pension and selling your property.
Lasting Power of Attorney – Health & Welfare:
This allows your attorney to make decisions in respect of your health and welfare, such as the medical treatment you receive, where you live (for example if you require residential care), and your daily routine.
You can decide how you wish your attorneys to act, appoint replacements and limit the scope of the decisions they can make in order to tailor your Lasting Power of Attorney to meet your needs and family circumstances.
Although you cannot now make new Enduring Powers of Attorney, if you made your Enduring Power of Attorney before October 2007, this remains valid but it must be registered before it can be used. If you previously made an Enduring Power of Attorney which now needs to be used, we can assist with the registration with the Office of Public Guardian.
You will always be represented by a fully qualified solicitor.
We have extensive experience drafting Powers of Attorney. If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss Lasting Powers of Attorney, please complete the enquiry form or contact our Wills & Probate team on 01268 776969.